Bass Edge News

Dr. Fish delivers keynote message

The host of the Bass Edge segment “In the Zone” delivered the keynote address on Sept. 18, at the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association annual conference in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Dr. Jay T. McNamara suggested ways to apply the principles of sports psychology to outdoor media work and to life. He told media members how concentration, organization, goal-setting and stress management could help their deadline-filled lives.

Then he did the unexpected to make a point. Capping his speech on “Attitude and the Outdoor Communicator,” he took off his jacket, loosened his tie, undid a few buttons on his shirt, and finally took it of to reveal his Dr. Fish jersey.

Sighs of relief echoed throughout the audience of writers, who were worried they were witnessing a career-ending move.

”It’s an example of primacy and recency effects from learning theory,”  McNamara explained. “Whether it’s an article, a radio program or a T.V. show, leave your audience with something they are sure to remember.”

The author of “The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing,” a practical guide to the mental side of angling, also signed copies of his book and gave interviews to SEOPA members. The conference attracted 260 people this year.

"When considering Dr. McNamara as our keynote speaker, it quickly became apparent that the psychological principles he touts to sports figures could benefit professional outdoor communicators, too. As a matter of fact, they could be helpful to anyone who wants to improve their daily work habits," said Lisa Snuggs, SEOPA executive director.

Dr. McNamara is an avid tournament angler who lives and practices psychology in Roseville, Minnesota. Besides catching bass, northern pike and walleye, he enjoys playing guitar and shocking outdoor writers.